SARS eFiling for Companies 2026: How to Register, Set Up Tax Types, and File Your First Return

When you register a company with CIPC, SARS automatically generates an income tax reference number. But you still need to actively set up your eFiling profile, add tax types, appoint a public officer, and configure everything correctly before you can file any returns.

What SARS eFiling is and why your company needs it

SARS eFiling is the online platform for all tax returns, payments, Tax Compliance Status PINs, and SARS communications. Every registered company in South Africa needs it to file ITR14, IRP6, EMP201, VAT201, and to apply for a Tax Compliance Status PIN.

Step 1 — Register on SARS eFiling

Go to sarsefiling.co.za and select “Register” as Organisation. You will need the following:

• Company income tax reference number (auto-issued at CIPC registration)
• Company registration number
• Director's SA ID number
• Valid email and cell phone for OTPs

Step 2 — Activate your tax types

Navigate to Home > User > Tax Types. Activate the tax types that apply to your company:

• Corporate Income Tax (ITR14)
• Provisional Tax (IRP6)
• PAYE/EMP201 (if you have employees)
• SDL (if payroll exceeds R500,000)
• UIF (all employees working more than 24 hours per month)
• VAT (only if registered for VAT)

Step 3 — Appoint and update your Public Officer

Navigate to Maintain SARS Registered Details (RAV01). If the Public Officer on SARS records differs from the current director, your tax compliance status will show as non-compliant — update it immediately.

Step 4 — Update company banking details

Via RAV01, update your bank account details. You may need to visit a SARS branch with a bank confirmation letter and certified ID. Outdated banking details are the most common reason refunds get stuck.

Step 5 — File your first ITR14

The ITR14 is mandatory regardless of your company's financial status — profitable, losing money, or not trading. The deadline is 12 months after your financial year-end.

Steps to file:

1. Log in to SARS eFiling
2. Navigate to Returns > Returns Issued > Income Tax (ITR14)
3. Select the relevant tax year
4. Request the return
5. Verify your company demographics
6. Complete the return using your financial statements
7. Upload supporting documents
8. Submit

Understanding your company's tax obligations on eFiling

Missing any deadline triggers an automatic 10% penalty plus interest at 10.25% per annum.

The Public Officer's responsibilities

The Public Officer is personally responsible for: requesting and filing all returns on time, ensuring all payments are made by due dates, maintaining accuracy of registered details, and responding to SARS queries.

You can grant shared access to a tax practitioner via eFiling, but the Public Officer remains legally responsible for the company's tax affairs.

Common eFiling setup mistakes to avoid

1. Not confirming your income tax reference number before registering
2. Registering for tax types you are not liable for — this creates unnecessary filing obligations
3. Leaving Public Officer details as default from CIPC registration
4. Not updating banking details — causing refunds to get stuck
5. Using personal eFiling credentials for company submissions

Frequently asked questions

My company was automatically registered with SARS when I registered with CIPC. Do I still need to do anything on eFiling?

Yes. Automatic registration gives you an income tax reference number, but you must actively register on eFiling, activate tax types, and appoint a Public Officer.

Can my accountant access my eFiling profile?

Yes. Navigate to User > Shared Access and add your accountant's eFiling details. You can grant access to specific tax types without giving full control of your profile.

How do I find my company's income tax reference number if I have lost it?

Call SARS on 0800 00 7277 with your company registration number, or check any SARS correspondence, or book a SARS branch appointment.

My company is dormant and has never earned income. Do I still need to file an ITR14?

Yes. The ITR14 is mandatory regardless of financial status. File a nil return for every year your company remains registered.

How long does SARS take to process an ITR14?

Simple returns are typically processed within a few weeks. Returns selected for verification take longer. Respond promptly to document requests to avoid penalties.